DEWALT DCCS670X1 Review

Introduction: Why I Finally Switched to a Battery-Powered Chainsaw

I have been using gas chainsaws for years. The smell of mixed fuel, the pull-start struggle on a cold morning, and the constant carburetor adjustments were just part of the routine. When DEWALT sent me the DCCS670X1, I was skeptical. A battery chainsaw? For real cutting? I assumed it would be fine for trimming twigs but useless for anything substantial. After putting this saw through its paces over several weeks, I can say my assumptions were wrong. The DCCS670X1 is a serious tool, but it comes with trade-offs that you need to understand before you buy.

This review is based on my own experience using this saw for property maintenance, storm cleanup, and firewood processing. I am not a professional logger, but I have cut down dozens of trees and processed countless cords of wood. I will tell you exactly what this saw does well, where it falls short, and whether it belongs in your shed.

How I Tested the DEWALT DCCS670X1

I did not run a single timed cut in a controlled lab. Instead, I used this saw the way most homeowners and contractors actually use a chainsaw. Over three weeks, I tackled the following tasks:

• Storm cleanup: I cut through a fallen 14-inch oak limb that had snapped during a windstorm. The wood was still green and heavy.
• Firewood processing: I bucked up a pile of seasoned ash logs, ranging from 6 inches to 12 inches in diameter. The wood was dry and hard.
• Pruning: I trimmed dead branches from a large maple tree, mostly limbs between 2 and 5 inches thick.
• Limbing: I cleared brush and small saplings from a overgrown fence line.

I used the included 12-inch bar and chain for all cuts. I ran the saw on the supplied 60V FlexVolt battery (model DCB606). I did not use a larger bar or a different chain. I also tested the saw in temperatures ranging from 45°F to 70°F, which is typical for my working season. I did not perform any scientific measurements like chain speed or cut time per log. Instead, I judged performance by how easily the saw cut, how long the battery lasted, and how the saw felt in my hands over a full afternoon of work.

Performance: Where This Saw Shines and Where It Struggles

Power and Cutting Ability

The DCCS670X1 is marketed as a 60V max saw, but it actually runs on the FlexVolt battery technology. This means the battery switches voltage depending on the tool. In the chainsaw, it delivers 60V. In a standard DEWALT drill, it drops to 20V. This is a huge advantage for anyone already invested in the DEWALT 20V system. You can share batteries across your entire tool kit.

In terms of raw cutting power, this saw is impressive for a battery model. It cuts through green oak and seasoned ash without bogging down, as long as you let the chain do the work. I was able to make clean, straight cuts through 10-inch logs in about 4 to 5 seconds. That is not as fast as a professional gas saw, but it is competitive with other high-end battery saws like the Stihl MSA 300 or the Makita XCU08PT.

Where the saw struggles is in dense, knotty wood. I hit a knot in a seasoned ash log, and the chain stopped dead. I had to release the trigger, reposition, and ease into the cut again. This is common for battery saws because they lack the torque of a gas engine at lower RPMs. If you are cutting mostly clean, straight-grained wood, you will be happy. If you are cutting a lot of knotty or twisted grain, you will get frustrated.

Battery Life and Runtime

The included 6.0 Ah battery is heavy. At 2.2 pounds, it adds noticeable weight to the rear of the saw. The total weight of the saw with battery and bar is around 12 pounds. That is not light, but it is manageable for most adults. The weight distribution is rear-heavy, which makes the saw feel nose-light. This actually helps when cutting overhead branches because the front of the saw is easier to lift. But it also means the saw wants to tip backward when you set it down.

Battery runtime is decent but not exceptional. With a fully charged 6.0 Ah battery, I was able to make approximately 70 to 80 cuts through 6-inch seasoned ash before the saw slowed down and stopped. That is enough for a solid hour of intermittent cutting. If you are doing heavy continuous bucking, you will get about 30 to 40 minutes of runtime. For storm cleanup or pruning, this is fine. For a full day of firewood processing, you will need at least two or three batteries and a fast charger.

The charger that comes with the kit is a standard 4-amp charger. It takes about 90 minutes to fully charge a depleted 6.0 Ah battery. That is not fast. If you need to work continuously, you will want to invest in the DCB118 fast charger, which cuts charge time roughly in half.

Tool-Free Chain Tensioning

This is one of my favorite features. The DCCS670X1 has a side-mounted tensioning knob that you turn by hand. No tools required. You loosen the knob, adjust the chain tension by turning the tensioning wheel, and then tighten the knob. It takes about 15 seconds. This is a huge improvement over traditional saws that require a wrench and screwdriver. I adjusted the chain several times during my testing as it stretched during initial use. The system worked perfectly every time. It is simple, reliable, and easy to use with gloves on.

Chain Oiler: A Missed Opportunity

The chain oiler is automatic, which means it oils the chain whenever the saw is running. That part works fine. The oil tank holds enough for about one full battery charge, which is reasonable. However, the oiler is not adjustable. You cannot increase or decrease the oil flow. This is a problem if you are cutting in different conditions. When I was cutting green oak, the chain needed more oil to prevent overheating. When I was cutting dry seasoned wood, the oiler was fine. But I could not adjust it to match the task. This is a cost-saving measure by DEWALT, and it is a real limitation. If you cut a lot of green or resinous wood, you may find the chain gets hot and stretches faster than it should.

Build Quality and Value

Construction and Materials

The DCCS670X1 is built to DEWALT’s usual standard, which is good but not premium. The housing is a mix of high-impact plastic and metal. The handle is rubberized and comfortable, even with gloves. The chain brake is easy to engage and disengage with one hand. The bar is a standard 12-inch Oregon bar, which is a solid choice. The chain is a low-kickback chain, which is safe for homeowners but not the fastest cutting chain on the market.

One area where DEWALT cut corners is the bucking spikes. They are made of plastic. This is disappointing. When you are cutting a log, you push the saw forward using the bucking spikes as a pivot point. Plastic spikes wear down quickly and can even break if you hit a hard knot or a nail. I have seen metal spikes on much cheaper saws. Plastic spikes are a clear downgrade. If you plan to do a lot of bucking, you will want to replace them with aftermarket metal spikes. It is not a difficult swap, but it is an extra cost and annoyance.

Low Maintenance: The Real Selling Point

The biggest advantage of this saw over a gas model is low maintenance. There is no fuel to mix, no carburetor to clean, no spark plug to replace, no air filter to change. You charge the battery, fill the oil tank, and cut. When you are done, you wipe it down and put it away. It does not matter if you leave it sitting for six months. It will start immediately when you pull the trigger. For anyone who hates dealing with gas engine maintenance, this saw is a dream.

However, you still need to keep the chain sharp and properly tensioned. A dull chain will kill battery life and cut poorly. I sharpened the chain after every two hours of cutting. That is normal for any chainsaw. The tool-free tensioning makes chain adjustments easy, so there is no excuse for running a loose chain.

Value for Money

The DCCS670X1 is not a budget saw. It is priced competitively with other high-end battery chainsaws. When you consider that the kit includes one 6.0 Ah FlexVolt battery and a charger, the price is reasonable for what you get. But you must factor in the cost of additional batteries if you want to work for more than an hour. A second 6.0 Ah battery costs roughly half the price of the saw itself. That adds up quickly.

If you already own DEWALT 20V tools, the FlexVolt battery is a huge value because it works across your entire system. You can use the same battery in your circular saw, reciprocating saw, and chainsaw. That makes the overall investment more palatable. If you are starting from scratch with no DEWALT tools, you might be better off looking at a less expensive battery system or a gas saw.

Who Should Buy This Saw

This saw is ideal for specific users. If you match any of these descriptions, the DCCS670X1 is a strong choice:

• Homeowners with light to medium cutting needs: If you prune trees, cut fallen branches, and process a few cords of firewood per year, this saw will handle it. You will appreciate the low maintenance and instant start.
• DEWALT tool loyalists: If you already own DEWALT 20V tools, the FlexVolt battery integration is a killer feature. You can run this saw without buying a new battery system.
• Contractors doing light demo or storm cleanup: If you need a saw that you can grab and go without mixing fuel, this is a great option. It is quiet enough to use in residential areas without disturbing neighbors.
• People who hate gas engine maintenance: If you have ever cursed a stuck pull cord or a gummed-up carburetor, you will love this saw. It just works.

This saw is not for you if:

• You are a professional logger or arborist: You need the power and runtime of a gas saw. The DCCS670X1 will not keep up with a full day of heavy cutting.
• You cut a lot of large-diameter hardwood: The 12-inch bar limits you to logs under 12 inches. You can buy a 14-inch bar, but the saw struggles with larger cuts.
• You are on a tight budget: The upfront cost plus the need for extra batteries makes this a significant investment. A good gas saw costs less and runs all day on a tank of fuel.

My Verdict: A Solid Battery Saw with Real Limitations

After weeks of testing, I have a clear opinion on the DEWALT DCCS670X1. It is a well-designed battery chainsaw that delivers good power for its class. The FlexVolt battery system is a genuine advantage for DEWALT users. The tool-free chain tensioning is excellent. The low maintenance is a huge convenience. I genuinely enjoyed using this saw for storm cleanup and pruning. It starts every time, runs quietly, and cuts well for its size.

But I cannot ignore the compromises. The non-adjustable chain oiler is a real annoyance. The plastic bucking spikes are cheap and will wear out. The battery is heavy, and runtime is limited. This saw is not a replacement for a gas saw if you do serious cutting. It is a supplement. It is the saw you grab for quick jobs, for cutting in tight spaces, and for working near houses where noise and fumes are a problem.

If you accept those limitations, the DCCS670X1 is a very good tool. It will make your life easier for many tasks. If you need a do-everything saw that can run all day, stick with gas. For me, this saw has earned a permanent place in my truck. I still use my gas saw for big jobs, but the DEWALT gets used twice as often for the small stuff. That is the real test. It is not the best chainsaw I have ever used, but it is the one I reach for most often.